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Catastrophic car accidents are devastating enough—but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, the trauma can multiply. Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are all too common across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Victims are left not only with severe injuries and mounting medical bills but also with questions about who will be held accountable.
Even when the responsible driver is unknown, there are legal options to pursue justice and financial recovery in the DMV region.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Consequences in the DMV
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a serious criminal offense in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Drivers must stop, render aid if possible, and exchange identifying information.
While criminal penalties punish the driver, they do not compensate victims. Civil legal action allows injured individuals to pursue recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: A Vital Tool
Victims in hit-and-run accidents may be surprised to learn they can pursue compensation even if the other driver is unidentified. Most auto insurance policies in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
This coverage can help pay for:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term care or permanent disability
Promptly reporting the accident to law enforcement and your insurer, and documenting the scene, strengthens your claim.
If the Fleeing Driver Is Later Identified
If law enforcement locates the driver, you can pursue a civil claim directly against them. Evidence such as traffic cameras, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle damage reports is often critical. Punitive damages may also be available if the driver’s conduct was especially reckless.
Even if the driver lacks insurance, your own UM coverage or claims against other liable parties may allow full recovery.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Catastrophic injuries—spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, and severe orthopedic damage—require immediate, expert legal guidance. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize settlements.
At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, our Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. attorneys assist victims of serious auto accidents in navigating claims, preserving evidence, and maximizing compensation.
Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., don’t wait. Contact Rowe Weinstein & Sohn today at (888) 482-3882 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We fight aggressively to protect your rights and pursue every avenue for recovery.